Un sac de billes - Joseph Joffo (In English)

I studied this incredible novel for my French A-level and quickly realised that it is much more than just a novel that I had to study, but a novel that I love. Joffo's book is autobiographic as he recounts his life as a young Jewish boy during the Second World War which serves to make it an even more emotional read. It is a touching and moving book, but also full of a tenderness and humanity that you would not have thought possible during that terrible time.

As you read this book, you may be inclined to think it is fictional: two boys aged 10 and 12 flee their home and travel across the country whilst having to lie in order to hide from the Nazis. But sadly, the novel is an autobiography of Joffo and his brother Maurice's childhood, giving us a glimpse of the turmoil caused to the lives of innocent children during the Second World War. At the beginning, Jo is a naïve young boy, unaware of the world around him. The 'marbles' of the title are a symbol of this youth, so when he has to leave his marbles to go on a trip, the reader knows that he will lose his childhood. He is very dependent on his brother, Maurice, who plays the role of father and protector, and I think their brotherhood throughout the novel is what makes the story so timeless. My favourite quote from the book is when, after being arrested by the S.S., Joffo says, "Right away, I have Maurice's hand in mine. Whatever happens, we mustn't separate". (It sounds a lot better in French!). This intimate image embodies the nature of the relationship between the two brothers and reminds us that Jo remains a young boy who fears for his life; Maurice is the only person he can trust, making their bond even stronger. This sense of connection is something we can all relate to, enabling the novel to remain relevant today.

Joffo returns to Paris alone at the end of the story without his brother, which symbolises his newfound independence, and the theme of childhood (or the loss of it)

is very significant throughout the novel. As the brotherhood between Jo and Maurice shows, Jo is quite childlike during their journey, but he is learning all the time how to grow up and mature. In fact, he enjoys being a child in an adult world, which we can all relate to. Children spend their childhood dreaming of adulthood, so this novel is a stark reminder of the vulnerability and temporality of childhood.

Obviously, the historical context of the novel adds to the connotations of fear and suspense that permeate the story. The use of the foreshadowing of Joffo's father's death underscores the reality of their lives: although they can play and enjoy their freedom, the truth is that their lives are in danger. Phrases such as "papa du crématoire" (referencing the fact that he is sent to the gas chambers) depict the sadness and injustice of their situation; their father dies because of his religion and his sons have to flee to escape the same end. Nevertheless, there is some hope, which is shown by people known as 'justes' who help the brothers on their journey. These moments of humanity restore our faith in the world and emphasise that we can overcome the things that divide us if we are willing to try.

I think we all need to read this novel; it is not difficult but the story reminds us of the atrocities of the past and the importance of working together to prevent such events from happening again in the future.